Mom Life

I'm not really a worrier. I've never really been one. My mother used to joke that I never worried enough... she probably still would. I used to pride myself on a carefree, chase-the-wind and embrace-life spirit. Skydiving, bungee jumping and white water rafting were my idea of recreation and adventure. And then I became a mom. And this unspoken shift happened. A shift I never expected. The worry. The fear. They can be something fierce. Sometimes...

Today is a guest interview with one of the most fun couples I know: Crystal and AJ Martin! From navigating time changes with littles, to puddle jumping, to marking special milestones and throwing parties, these guys know how to infuse fun into family life. But why does this matter? Think about the last time you had a good laugh. What did it do to you? When was the last time you had a good belly laugh. Ever laughed so hard that you cried? Fun does...

Today is a guest interview with the lovely Melanie Faris! Melanie is a young mom with two babies at home under the age of 3. She's passionate about creating a healthy home, putting healthy food on the table, and building healthy habits into regular life that are actually do-able during this wild phase of parenting. But... it can be incredibly challenging to "do everything" we find on Pinterest from mom-blogger-extraordinaire types. And while it would be wonderful to have access to all the...

There is this version of wife and mother and friend and young professional that I wish I was. And then there is this version that I am. How about you? Sometimes the woman I wish I was stares through the mirror at the woman I am. She doesn't scorn me, and I don't resent her. We make eye contact across strange planes of existence, but we never really meet. We're not in opposition to one other, we're not enemies or competitors... we're not...

We're pregnant! 17 weeks to be exact. We're thrilled! And nervous. And thankful. And exhausted! They say first trimester can be tough... With our first, I was tired, but didn't experience the spectrum of symptoms that can plague the first trimester. Thankfully! But the last few months of this year were some of the toughest. Although I'm thankful I wasn't throwing up, queazy waves would hit. It was a struggle just to hold my head up off the table almost every day. I wanted to go to bed...

When are you having a baby? When is the next one coming along? This question has me fired up these days. Because this question causes too much pain for too many people I love and care about. And I get asked this ALL the time. By well-meaning, curious people that I genuinely like. It's often just "casual conversation." But you need to know - this topic is NOT casual conversation. In one question, you are asking a woman about: Her relationship with...

This recipe is tried and true - it's perfect. I've made hundreds of apple pies (no - seriously. I swear.) because for some crazy reason I find it relaxing. Therapeutic almost. Maybe you will too! So – I'm sharing these steps with you just in time for thanksgiving! I learned these simple steps to the PERFECT apple pie from my mother. And now – lucky you – you can too! Homemade. No Preservatives. All natural. It's almost HEALTHY! Haha. Almost. With no further adieu, I wish you the love of apple pie...

Expecting? Know someone who is? Pass this on... I hope it delivers encouragement and strength. We found out we were pregnant on our 1st anniversary. I thought so, but I was waiting to take a test until our anniversary because – how fun is that? That morning, I could hardly wait to get up and pee on a stick. Sure enough, I returned with a grin on my face and a plus sign in my hand to say "happy anniversary!" A moment I will never take for granted....

Don't hate me. Childbirth was easier than I expected. I had heard a lot of things. A lot of dramatic stories. I was hoping for the best but preparing for the toughest. This is a positive birth story. Although there were a couple serious surprises, my labour and delivery of Isaac was one of the most beautiful, powerful and memorable experiences of my life!! Every childbirth story is different and there are so many factors at play. Given how many "horror stories" are shared (loud and proud) that perpetuate...

I'm doing my best. I'm trying to care for my child the best I know how. Aren't we all? I'm trying to raise him well, make informed decisions, love him to the very ends of my human limits. And somehow it's not enough. And too much. All at once. The comments started the day he came home from the hospital. Or, more truthfully, the day I found out I was pregnant. At first, I appreciated different perspectives and anything off-colour just rolled off my back....